Israel’s attack on Qatar has had no direct impact on Malaysia, especially the oil industries and trade, says investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz.
He said the ongoing conflict in Gaza had not affected trade flows or industrial activities, although developments would still be closely monitored.
“If this doesn’t escalate, then it should be okay. But for now, there is no impact, including on the industry,” he told reporters after the launch of the MyAERO Summit 2026 and National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia’s 10th anniversary celebration here today.
On the aerospace sector, he said that recent incidents in the Middle East, including Israeli airstrikes, had no bearing on Malaysia’s aerospace industry.
Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul said the European Union’s (EU) recognition of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil certification would facilitate the Malaysia-EU free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations.
He said the second round of FTA talks with the EU was scheduled to take place in November.
“We believe that this FTA will help ease some of the difficulties and challenges in trade and investments between the EU and Malaysia,” he said.
The first round of FTA talks took place in Brussels, Belgium, from June 30 to July 4. A total of 21 chapters are currently under negotiation.
